An Evaluation of Family Preservation Services: Fitting Agency Services to Family Needs

Abstract

Intensive family preservation programs provide comprehensive services to families at risk that are intended to strengthen families and prevent the out-of-home placement of children. These programs have been operating for the past two decades and have reported placement prevention rates of between 75 percent and 90 percent. Evaluations of these programs often examine placement rates as the sole outcome criterion; other indicators of program effectiveness have not been adequately evaluated. Evaluations also have not sufficiently examined the elements of intensive services that contribute to family preservation. This evaluation of a family preservation program in northern California examines the progress and outcomes of 367 cases served during a three-year period. Detailed analysis examines the specific service elements of the program, the match of services to families' needs, and the resulting gains made by parents in a variety of skill areas.